In this episode of the Business Spotlight Podcast, host Heather Frierson sits down with Brook Schaaf, co-founder and CEO of FMTC, a leading B2B company that aggregates, tests, and distributes affiliate, merchant, coupon, and product data to publishers across various industries. Brook shares the journey of FMTC, which has been innovating in the affiliate marketing space since 2007, and explains how the company has grown by bringing together complex data streams for enterprise and content publishe...
Jan 30, 2025•37 min
Today's guest is Ivan Filby, CEO of Seedbed, a publisher of Christian material in Franklin, TN. Ivan served on their board for a year before being recruited as CEO, a role for which he is perfectly suited. Fascinating considering he performs the role remotely from Northern Ireland! You'll hear him describe his passion for creating culture, working himself out of a job, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. He also shares the belief that business done right is a means for extending God's ...
Jan 30, 2025•40 min
As a Fractional CMO, Founder of Your Marketing BFF's, and Co-Founder of Faith Fueled Founders, Logan Montague turns marketing chaos into sustainable growth for 8-figure+ businesses. Logan is a homegrown Hoosier, she started her career in the RV industry and then her own business in 2020 while earning her MBA. With over a decade of experience spanning digital, traditional, and experiential marketing, Logan has learned that business is an ever-changing journey. Growing too fast taught her the valu...
Jan 30, 2025•19 min
Meet George White, CEO of the C.M. Paula Company, a highly diversified holding company of businesses in very unique segments including greeting cards, metal stamping, automation systems and healing stones. George shares how his own diverse leadership background positioned him well to lead this growing organization. He shares a great example of how they invested in new equipment & processes that allowed and older, established business to move into new lines of business and expand their market...
Jan 30, 2025•28 min
In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Tab Pierce, the founder of Caliber Security Partners, to explore his incredible journey in the cybersecurity industry and beyond. With over 25 years of experience, Tab has built a successful career while also co-managing Arizona’s largest business community, Network Live. Alongside his security expertise, he’s the founder of Lunir and an author of three books. Despite his busy professional life, Tab shares how he focuses on the importance of joy, ...
Jan 30, 2025•44 min
Step into the entrepreneurial journey with Business Spotlight Series, hosted by Kay Cote. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Philip Scott Mandel, CEO of Mandel Marketing, a full-service marketing agency navigating the highs and lows of business ownership since its 2019 launch. From starting during the pandemic to mastering creative and research-driven strategies, Philip shares invaluable insights on branding, content creation, and cultivating originality in marketing. Tune in t...
Jan 30, 2025•25 min
As the third-generation Owner and President of Rayco Tools, Inc., Chris Rooney has spent over seven years providing top-notch rotary and push-style broaching solutions. From WWII roots to modern machining, Rayco’s legacy thrives on innovation, durability, and a relentless work ethic passed down through the years. Before taking the reins and learning from his father and uncle, Chris could do it all himself—but growth taught him to delegate, trust, and build a powerhouse team. It’s been tough but ...
Jan 30, 2025•18 min
My guest today is Bryan Sebring founder of Sebring Design Build, a home remodeling and construction company here in Nashville. Bryan describes his unique offering and the challenges in relocating his business to Nashville in 2020. He emphasizes the importance of assuring a good fit with a prospective client, and discusses his intention for growth in "the right ways." He also shares his beliefs on the power of community vs the challenges of going it alone and what being part of a master mind grou...
Jan 27, 2025•45 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Elizabeth McCormick of UNIGLOBE Travel Designers. Elizabeth has been in the Travel industry for a number of and loves to continually build upon her winning team of employees. Her team and their ability to deliver next-level service to their clients are among her most proud accomplishments. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused. You can get in touch with Elizabeth McCormick here on LinkedIn: / elizabet...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Haydn Morgans, Founder and Director of Search Stack, a purpose-driven digital agency specialising in the recruitment sector. Haydn shares his journey from freelancing during the pandemic to building a successful business focused on personal branding, content strategy, and podcast management. Simon & Hayden discuss aligning sales and marketing for business efficiency, navigating challenges through creativity and collaboration, and the importance of data-dr...
Jan 27, 2025•25 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Josh Fitzwater of Holden Ellis. Josh created his marketing agency over 10 years ago and was recently recognized as a “40 under 40 honoree”! He’s is very proud of his company’s tag-line, “We Make People Curious!”. Josh built his agency on 4 key values and he shares those with us in this interview. Some great advice shared here, as well as a fantastic learning about being focused and sincere. You can get in touch with Josh here on LinkedIn: / josh...
Jan 27, 2025•39 min
In this episode of the Business Spotlight Series, we feature Lester Manley, an entrepreneur whose business journey began at the extraordinary age of 11. Securing a bank loan at just 14, thanks to someone who believed in his potential, set the tone for his fearless approach to business. After selling his IMC-focused marketing and communication business in 2002, Lester shifted his expertise to consultancy and branding, helping businesses reinvent themselves. Alongside his consultancy, he runs Trai...
Jan 27, 2025•26 min
Our guest today on the Business Spotlight is Brian Harstine, Founder of Acquire a startup here in Nashville looking to make improvements to the back office processes in the private market investment world. Craig and Brian discuss the inefficiencies in this space and how Acquire Invest aims to connect siloed systems and departments to improve cycle times in the investment world. Their conversation also explores innovations in the area of data aggregation and blockchain technology, and the challen...
Jan 27, 2025•46 min
Our guest today on the Business Spotlight is Alex Mayorov, owner of Sam the Concrete Man in Nashville. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey including his transition from a finance and accounting professional to a small business owner specializing in concrete work. We explore the challenges of starting a business, the importance of networking and building connections, and the value of corporate experience for small business owners. We also touch on the significance of technical knowledge, sett...
Jan 27, 2025•31 min
Today's guest is Luke Smiley, owner of Radish Kitchen restaurants. Luke discusses the growth and challenges of his business, including employee retention and expansion plans. He also shares his experiences and lessons learned over the past few years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over the company's culture and product as it expands. Great discussion with one of Nashville's leading entrepreneurs. You can get in touch with Luke here on LinkedIn: / luke-smiley-a094914 🔔 Want yo...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min
In this episode of the Business Spotlight Series, we feature Suzanne Livingstone, Managing Director of Ireland's Homes, Interiors and Living Magazine. Suzanne's remarkable journey began 30 years ago with a part-time job that evolved into her role today, helping the business grow from scratch. Now overseeing four publications and award ceremonies, she helps lead a passionate team dedicated to producing top-quality content and maintaining the magazine's status as a best-seller across Ireland. Suza...
Jan 27, 2025•14 min
Adrian Povey, Community property care Ltd. Happy customer is key; Diversify with customer; Recruit for attitude as you can train almost anyone to do anything You can get in touch with Adrian here on LinkedIn: / adrian-povey-52a12512 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website: https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #busines...
Jan 27, 2025•14 min
Asif Alimahomed, CFS of Leicester LTD Hardwork has played crucial role; Strong minded person and success doesn't come easily. You can get in touch with Asif here on LinkedIn: / asif-alimahomed-91375419 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website: https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusines...
Jan 27, 2025•13 min
Chester Wilson's path to entrepreneurship is a fascinating blend of academic achievement and business acumen. After a career as a professor of electrical engineering, he launched Pelican Defense Technologies, a company dedicated to countering nuclear threats. This interview delves into his experiences, highlighting both triumphs and challenges. Chester's background in research and development provides a solid foundation for his innovative approach to defense technologies. Pelican Defense special...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min
My guest today on the Business Spotlight is Dustin Walter, founder of Independent Restoration Services (IRS). Dustin shares his journey from starting out as a claims adjuster to then joining his uncle's business in Tennessee. It was those two experiences that gave him the formula for IRS. He emphasizes the importance of good people, customer care, and having an abundance mindset. IRS has seen rapid growth, with revenues increasing from 3 million in 2021 to over 25 million in 2023, and plans to e...
Jan 23, 2025•52 min
A really enjoyable interview with Jason from Siltech. It amazes me how many brilliant businesses the UK has and this is one. Siltech develops and manufactures smart inks, lacquers and labels for sale into the printing, packaging, security (brand protection, traceability, tamper-evidence), medical sterilisation, heat and radiation curing, food retorting, coding & marking, etc, sectors. In business for over 40 years they push the technological boundaries. Fascinating! You can get in touch with...
Jan 23, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Business Spotlight Podcast, host Heather Frierson sits down with Jobby John, founder and CEO of Nimbus Health Care, to discuss the future of healthcare in America. Jobby, a pharmacy owner and president of the Texas Pharmacy Association, delves into the challenges facing the current healthcare system, including the rising costs of prescription drugs and the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in fueling these price hikes. He also shares his vision for a more accessible...
Jan 23, 2025•36 min
Shaun Cook is the MD of North Coat Ltd, who are a powder coating and refurbishment business, treating items ranging from industrial engineering to domestic. You can get in touch with Shaun here on LinkedIn: / shaun-cook-6a8842138 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website: https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businesses...
Jan 23, 2025•9 min
Kristy Sieve is the President & Partner of the Mertz Design Studio, a design firm focused primarily on consumer products with a strong track record of working with highly respected brands and emerging brands ready to take off. She shares how they have developed relationships with renown brands and celebrities such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Michelle Obama in the launch of their offerings. Culture is the driver of good work and an emphasis at Mertz. She shares multiple ways in which the...
Jan 23, 2025•27 min
🎙️ Welcome to the Business Spotlight Series! In this episode, host Kay Cote sits down with Ian Singer, CEO and President of Library Pass, to uncover the realities of entrepreneurship. Join us as Ian shares his journey from private equity leadership to running a mission-driven business that’s transforming library access with innovative digital content. Discover the "why" behind Library Pass and its flagship product, Comics Plus, providing unlimited access to graphic novels, comics, and manga. Ia...
Jan 23, 2025•20 min
Join Simon Marshall as he interviews Hannah Darby, Founder and Director of HD Marketing, a creative agency specialising in marketing for the property industry. Hannah shares her journey from employee to business owner, starting HD Marketing in 2010 after her previous company scaled down. She discusses the evolution of her business, the challenges of managing growth, and the importance of adapting to market changes. From offering comprehensive services like digital campaigns and signage to implem...
Jan 23, 2025•19 min
Welcome to the Business Spotlight Podcast! In this episode, Heather sits down with Ryan Atkinson, the innovative 25-year-old founder of Spacebar Visuals from Austin, Texas. Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his decision to leave his job after achieving financial stability and clear goals. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running Spacebar Visuals, a company that specializes in creating explainer videos, product demos, customer testimonials, event videos, and invest...
Jan 23, 2025•28 min
Join host Kay Cote in this inspiring episode of the Business Spotlight Series as she sits down with Ricardo Casas, founder and CEO of Fahrenheit Marketing and Trek Notion. Ricardo shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in Brazil to building a thriving business in the United States. Discover how his perseverance, ethical values, and family-first mindset shaped his entrepreneurial path. In this episode, you'll hear: The challenges and triumphs of starting a business during the 20...
Jan 23, 2025•25 min
In this Business Spotlight, Alida Niehaus interviews Natalie Pieri, a seasoned chartered certified accountant with over 20 years in the industry. Natalie shares her journey of starting her accounting practice 10 years ago, the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated field, and how she built a thriving business while raising two children as a single parent. Natalie offers invaluable advice on: Building a supportive network. Overcoming recruitment challenges. Managing finances during tough ec...
Jan 23, 2025•23 min
Martin is a co-founder of Hibernia Venture Labs. Hibernia Venture Labs has a pan European presence and is headquartered in Dublin. Founded in 2021, Hibernia Venture Labs currently have 140 employed and expect to grow substantially over the next year. Hibernia Venture Labs are empowering businesses of every scale with tailored technology solutions Hibernia Venture Labs specialise in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, regardless of their s...
Jan 20, 2025•47 min
